“We will approach brands and businesses with sales and marketing skills, not necessarily the inclination or ability to get involved in mobile networks, but to whom there would be advantages of providing customers with a mobile service,” says Harrison.

“We are going to accept all mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) with open arms.”

He is in talks with five big brands which have a “lifestyle” agenda and expects deals to be announced within weeks.

Tesco, BSkyB, NTL and Telewest are all believed to be considering launching MVNOs (MW August 3).

But Carphone Warehouse may separate and distinguish Carphone Warehouse Group activities, such as Value Telecom, from the Carphone Warehouse stores to avoid confrontation with the existing networks which it represents in its retail stores.

Harrison says: “We could set up Value Telecom as a separate business.”

He says MVNOs launched through Value Telecom will not necessarily be distributed by Carphone Warehouse stores. Harrison also says Carphone Warehouse may do deals with other network operators.

Being a cricket-loving 30-something (sadly, not my batting average), I can sympathise a little with Iain Murray’s traditional cricketing stance, but agree wholeheartedly with John Read’s desire to make a change at the pavilion end. Surely it is better to encourage a wider audience to the game? After all, the nature of the game itself […]

Internet retailer Buy.com has been forced to drop its claim that it offers “the lowest UK prices, guaranteed” after the Advertising Standards Authority found the company was unable to substantiate the assertion. The ASA has ordered Buy.com to have future advertising – created by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R – vetted by the Committee of Advertising […]

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